SB 160
Creating mental hygiene regions by Supreme Court of Appeals
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes mental hygiene regions within West Virginia, overseen by the Supreme Court of Appeals. It aims to modernize the state’s mental health system by clarifying procedures, enhancing access to care through video technology, and ensuring appropriate safeguards for individuals facing potential involuntary commitment. The bill also addresses issues such as hearing requirements, observation release periods, and the role of community mental health centers, while removing certain outdated provisions and restructuring the mental hygiene commissioner system.
Key provisions
- Creates mental hygiene regions overseen by the Supreme Court of Appeals.
- Allows for mental hygiene evaluations and proceedings via video technology.
- Removes licensed professional counselors and licensed independent social workers as approved examiners.
- Establishes a temporary observation release for mental hygiene respondents.
- Requires hearings for commitment periods longer than 90 days and limits commitment duration to 120 days.
- Mandates the availability of an examiner at certified community mental health centers.
- Authorizes statewide coverage for mental hygiene evaluations.
- Requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate alternative transportation providers.
Who is affected
- Individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders
- Families of individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders
- Mental health professionals (physicians, psychologists, counselors, social workers)
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